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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Foreign Bikkhus to A’pura Bikkhu University

It is planned to absorb foreign Buddhist
Bikkhus to follow degree courses at the Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka Bikkhu
University. They can study Buddhist studies, Pali, Sanskrit etc at the
university.

Arrangements are in place to establish two
academic faculties affiliated to the Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka University in
China. This will improve relations with China, said Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka
Bikkhu University Mahopadyaya (Vice Chancellor) Ven Professor Thumbulle
Seelakkandha Nayaka Thera.

The new building complexes and the student
Bikkhus' lodge will be commissioned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on June 22.
The government spent Rs 352 million for the buildings.

The prelate said in keeping with the Mahinda
Chinthanaya, the University is hoisted to the position of a prestigious
institute with international recognition.

He said the Bikkhu University housed in an
old building complex in the sacred city of Anuradhapura was in the process of
being shifted to a 13 acre land on the banks of Malwathu oya. The Thera said
the estimated cost for the new university complex is Rs 1,300 million.

“It is our intention to bestow a well read,
highly educated and well behaved young Bikkhu generation capable of propagating
the teachings of Buddha in the country and world,” the Thera said.

The government spends Rs 350,000 for the
maintenance of one student Bikkhu at the Buddhasravaka Bikkhu University
annually whereas in other universities in the country it is threefold,” the
Nayake Thera said.

He said the student capacity is 200 and it
will be increased to 400.

Under the recruitment of foreign Bikkhu
students, Bikkhus from Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Tibet etc
will be facilitated to follow degree courses at the Bikkhu University.

The Nayake Thera said the construction of the
University's language studies faculty building will be completed soon along
with the library building.

The construction of three more student
hostels, Dhana sala, auditorium and shrine room will follow. CDN